Dr. carissa ferguson-thomas
I hold a Doctorate and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University. I am a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have provided individual, couples, and family therapy for more than twenty years. I am trained as a cognitive behavioral therapist but my approach is eclectic, person-centered and trauma-informed. I work with the individual where they are and together we explore and develop plans to overcome the challenges they are facing. I have worked with clients in various settings and helped them address depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I can also help you navigate intimate relationship difficulties, family issues, life transitions, grief and loss. Starting therapy can be stressful in itself but I can help ease that stress as I provide a safe, judgement free environment and provide compassion and understanding that allows you to speak freely about your thoughts and feelings. I believe a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship is the most important part of creating lasting change. We will work together to address your concerns, overcome barriers, and identify your strengths to help you achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you!
Wendy "Gwen" Bodnaruk
Welcome and Hello! Thank you for taking your time to get to know me but I want to stress that the most important person in our relationship is YOU! My name is Gwen Bodnaruk. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a School Certified Counselor, and a Life Coach. I used to be a financial executive on Wall Street but found my work unfulfilling and learned through the help of counseling and coaching that my true passion and calling was helping people. I started a life coaching business and obtained my masters in professional counseling. Everyone seeking counseling is unique in their upbringing, beliefs and experiences. I use a variety of counseling techniques that are tailored to each one of my clients. My clients benefit from an eclectic approach of combining solution focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy as well as psycho-educational therapy to help them gain insight into themselves and to assist them in healing fresh and childhood wounds. My goal is to help people remove barriers that have been erected to help them reach the potential of their best selves. Central to the reason I became a therapist is that I credit several therapists throughout my journey in helping me. Living abroad and learning and communicating in other languages has been instrumental in shaping my worldview and values. My largest treasure in life is my circle of friends comprised of people from all different races, religions and walks of life. For fun I enjoy experiences. I love exploring new places and new people. I got married later in life and am the mother to a dog and a cat and do volunteer work for our local shelter. I am also an active participant in our church. I look forward to working with you.
Paulette Blais
I am a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years experience helping individuals, couples, and families with a wide variety of challenges and distressing life events. I earned a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (with High Honors) and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from United States International University (now Alliant University) in San Diego. My counseling style is warm and engaging, with a touch of humor (when appropriate) thrown in. I'm very down-to-earth and treat everyone with respect and as much understanding as I possibly can. People generally say they feel comfortable with me pretty quickly. I have experienced quite a lot, good and not-so-good, in my 70+ years, which means chances are good that I've personally dealt with whatever it is that you would like help with. It's hard to ask for help but people usually find that they wished they'd sought help sooner, once they can start to see the benefits. So please reach out and let's get started!
john michalowski
Hello! My name is John, I am a licensed Clinical Social worker in Pennsylvania with 25 years of professional behavioral health experience. I work at helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe everyone's path to this point in their life is unique and deserving of respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Taking another step to improve your well being takes courage and you deserve to be proud for getting started!
Denise Larson
I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as nationally certified. I am also certified in school counseling k-12. I have worked with varying age groups and populations. I started out my professional career in a social service department in a hospital. Following this, I have worked in schools, as well as various mental health agencies. Most recently I was the director of a mental health and drug and alcohol facility. During my career as a clinical psychotherapist, I strived to become a very well-rounded clinician, working with multiple modalities along with ongoing continued education to provide the best care to those I served. I am in the process of earning my PhD. While I do utilize multiple modalities such as DBT, CBT, and SFT, I believe in a person-centered approach overall, as each individual is unique and thus deserves the approach and style that best fits their own unique needs. Additionally, I have worked with addictions extensively both individually and in a group format. I have taken extensive training in gambling addiction and have run IOP for drug and alcohol groups for many years. I believe wholeheartedly in providing validation and helping my clients understand the importance of self-validation. No matter what the struggle is my clients are facing, I believe that they have the strength within them to overcome their obstacles. I strive to help them find that strength.
Dawn Wolf
I am a Masters level clinician and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (LPC) with 20+ years of professional work experience. My work experience includes diverse clients from preschool aged through young adults. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, anger management, emotional regulation, sensory issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience with parenting issues, ADHD related concerns and neurodiverse clients. My therapeutic approach is comprised of elements from Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Client-Centered Therapy as well as techniques based on Mindfulness and overall wellness. Treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is very important to me and I will seek to establish a genuine, caring therapeutic relationship with my clients. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take a lot of courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Nicole St. Pierre
Welcome :) I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Pennsylvania. I am a warm and understanding therapist. I pride myself on being able to create a laid back space for you to feel seen, heard, and supported. I am experienced in helping clients struggling with depression, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, while challenging you to achieve realistic goals. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards that change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Let’s get started!
Tracy Schofield
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
John Kleppner
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorder, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
KRISTINA KOTECHA
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Blawnox
Finding the best therapist close by in Blawnox can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Blawnox that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Blawnox. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Blawnox, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Blawnox region and in the state of Pennsylvania. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Blawnox or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Blawnox therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Blawnox area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Blawnox, elsewhere in Allegheny, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Blawnox area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Blawnox therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Blawnox due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Blawnox may not take health insurance, some in the state of Pennsylvania may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Pennsylvania you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Blawnox online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Blawnox, Pennsylvania working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Blawnox psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Blawnox above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Blawnox provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Blawnox?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Blawnox therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Blawnox therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Blawnox therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in PA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 15238 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Blawnox counselor?
Before seeing your Blawnox therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Blawnox therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Blawnox licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Blawnox counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Blawnox, Pennsylvania can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Blawnox has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Blawnox, Pennsylvania
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Blawnox therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Blawnox:
15238